1438AH: Optimism, not despair

As part of Allah’s immeasurable mercy on us, we are alive to witness the close of the 1437 Islamic year and hopefully the beginning of another; the 1438th year after the historic migration (hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in 622 AD from his birthplace, Makkah, to the second holiest city of Islam, Madinah. Counting by the day on which the crescent for this month was sighted, today Saturday October 1, 2016 which is equivalent to Dhul Hijjah 29, 1427AH could be the last day of the last month in this year’s Islamic lunar calendar; with tomorrow likely to be the first day of the new hijrah year.
No matter our national challenges, regional difficulties or personal predicaments, we have reasons to give gratitude to the most Merciful. Some of those who saw the start of this year are not here today to witness its end. Even those who are privileged to be among the living, some are not in good health. Besides, the life-span of the living is also short by 365 days. Let us therefore consider this opportunity as a respite for us to repent from our sins and strive to be obedient servants of Allah (SWT); avoiding any thoughts, speeches or actions that would make us appear or sound ungrateful.
By this time last year, many Nigerians were full of joy for at least two reasons. One, because the then four-month-old administration of President Muhammadu Buhari launched a decisive offensive against the Boko Haram insurgents and was yielding results. Two, because President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to fulfil one of his campaign promises launched a total war against financial and economic crimes which were the worst forms of corrupt practices that unceasingly bedeviled the country for over three decades. The progress achieved under President Buhari in the onslaught against these two national calamities gave Nigerians a huge sigh of psychological and moral relief.
But soon, the joy of this relief was undermined by unpleasant events that brought the leadership of President Buhari under criticisms. First, it was the rapid and all-height fall in the price of crude oil. Second, it was the crash of the value of the naira as it nosedived against the US dollar. These two unsought events had direct and immediate negative consequences on Nigeria’s economy. As if the situation was not bad enough, the Niger Delta militants under a new name, the avengers, announced and began the bombing of oil installations in the oil region of the country; pushing Nigeria in to recession. This is the worst catastrophe suffered in recent times by Nigeria with most Nigerians paying the price for the unpatriotic actions of a section of the country. Unlike the crash in the price of crude oil, the bombing of oil facilities is deliberate and therefore self-afflicting. Government at all levels is finding it difficult to carry out its financial obligations to Nigerians including payment of workers’ salaries and implementation of the 2016 budget.
Because of the impact of economic recession, life has become very difficult for most people; forcing some to overlook the successes achieved in the onslaught against insurgency as well as in the fight against corruption. In the present circumstance, the faith of President Buhari and that of Nigerians seems indeed to be on trial. Now that the challenges are already at hand, it is for us to be optimistic and not to despair in getting them resolved. Nothing, good or otherwise, befalls a man without Allah’s knowledge. As stated in Qur’an 6:59, not even a leaf (dry or fresh) falls from a tree except with His knowledge. Blame-game isn’t a solution to these crises. With persevering patience and constant prayers, these challenges will only be found in history books.
As believers, we are to remain faithful and hopeful in Allah’s omnipotence to free us from these critical trials. Allah (SWT) admonishes us in Qur’an 39:53 not to despair from His mercy as He is oft-Forgiving and oft-Merciful. He (SWT) also assures us in Qur’an 7:56 that His mercy is (always) near to those who do good. Goodness here means righteousness. We must therefore be good to all in words and in conduct if we sincerely desire Allah’s mercy and redemption from the crises confronting us.
Zakat is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam and therefore obligatory on Muslims (male or female, adult or minor) whose wealth of crops, livestock or cash reaches an amount that attracts Zakkat, which is called Nisab in Islamic literature. The institution of Zakat in Islam guarantees, among other socio-economic benefits, even distribution of wealth among members of the society. We thus encourage those who qualify to give it to do so with the fear of Allah (SWT).
According to figures recently released by the Society for the Propagation of Islam (in Nigeria), the minimum taxable amount of money (Nisab) upon which two and a half percent is payable as Zakkat in the year 1438AH is put at N895,285.00 which is the current cost of 20 pieces of dinar (gold). The value of one quarter of a dinar (rub’u dinar) which is the minimum amount of money payable as dowry as well as the least theft of property that can attract amputation of hand is put at N11, 205.00. The sum of N44, 763,720.00 (which is the value of 1,000 dinar) is the blood-money (diyyah) payable for manslaughter. The value of Nisab, Sadaq and Hadd mentioned above in naira are all relative as the amount is determined by the prevailing price of dinar as well as the exchange rate of the naira.
Lest we forget, the end and beginning of a year is always a period to check whether our al-Kafan (the white sheet for shrouding the dead) is still intact or has changed colour. If anything has happened to it, now is the period to replace it.
Let us use this occasion which coincides with the 56th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence to pray to Allah (SWT) to guide our leaders in taking decisions and actions that will put nation on the path of progress. May Allah (SWT) make 1438AH a year of stability, peace and development; a year that will open wide doors to employment opportunities for Nigerians; and a year in which Nigerians will witness increased access to basic necessities of life including healthcare, quality education, good roads, clean water, and uninterrupted electricity supply; amin. Kullu Aamin Wa Antum Bi Khairin! Happy New Islamic Year!